Penn State Takes a Close One at Home Against Maryland

Story posted October 12, 2019 in CommRadio, Sports by Jack McCune

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State women’s volleyball were able to hold on against Maryland Friday night at Rec Hall winning 3-2 to improve their record to 11-3 overall and 4-1 in Big Ten play.

After dropping the first game 25-18, the Nittany Lions gained momentum to earn them the wins in sets two (25-20), three (25-19) and five (15-6). Sophomores Jonni Parker and Serena Gray recorded 13 kills each, and sophomore setter Gabby Blossom had 43 assists on 67 percent hitting.

“We were totally defeated after the first game,” Penn State head coach Russ Rose said. “But everything (Maryland) did after, we had an answer for.”

The Terrapins took advantage of Penn State mistakes and took the fourth set 25-14. Junior hitter Erika Pritchard had 19 kills and 16 digs in the match. Sophomore libero Allegra Rivas also recorded 16 digs to go along with a perfect hitting percentage.

Maryland head coach Adam Hughes, a 2006 Penn State graduate and former assistant coach for the Nittany Lions, made his return to Rec Hall Friday for the first time ever as an opposing coach. Rose said that it was emotional competing against his friend.

“I want them to win every single game they play except when they play us,” Rose said.

It doesn’t get any easier for Penn State as they will host Ohio State Saturday night. The Nittany Lions improve to 11-0 all-time versus Maryland.

 

 

Jack McCune is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jxm1237@psu.edu.